Making the Invisible Visible – Roma in the Programme of European Capitals of Culture: From Marseille 2013 to Timișoara 2023

The programme of Timișoara – European Capital of Culture 2023 included a component on “Deconstructing Stereotypes andOvercoming Marginalization of Roma Communities in Timișoara and Europe”, initiated and coordinated by the Intercultural Instituteof Timișoara. This paper presents a comparative analysis of the key features of this component and its background, with the firstinitiative of this kind, that was part of Marseille-Provence European Capital of Culture 2013. It argues that the way in which cultural andeducational activities, aimed at overcoming stereotypes about Roma, are framed, designed, and implemented can, in terms of outcomes, result in big differences. Approaches used to challenge stereotypes in the programme of Timișoara – European Capital of Culture, counterstereotype exposure, and eliciting empathy and perspective-taking are discussed here.